USI Launches National Student Housing Survey

January 13, 2017

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has launched a National Student Housing Survey, inviting responses from students across the Republic of Ireland. The survey seeks to assess the housing situation of students across the country and preferences of students regarding their accommodation.

The housing crisis in Ireland has had a negative impact on studying trends, academic performance and mental health of students. The escalating cost of rent across Ireland, due to shortages of supply and an increase in demand, is forcing some students to commit to leases they can’t afford, sleep on friends’ couches, live in poor quality accommodation or endure long commutes. The lack of purpose-built on-campus accommodation, private sector rent increases and the shortage of rental properties continues to fuel a dropout culture in third level education.

Speaking at the survey launch, USI President Annie Hoey said: ‘The accommodation crisis is deterring students, especially those from rural areas, from going to college, and long commutes are already negatively affecting the quality of their college experience.’

‘We want to assess the actual situation of students across the country. Housing cannot be treated only as a market, but is central to the experience of the student, and whether or not they thrive at college. Investment in student accommodation is investment in reduced rates of wasteful non-completion and increased rates of study success.’ added Hoey.

The National Student Housing Survey focuses on five areas: demographics, accommodation status and conditions, satisfaction with current accommodation and past experiences of all students living and studying in Ireland. It is divided into 6 modules: current study situation, current housing situation, finding a place, satisfaction with your accommodation, accommodation conditions, past experiences. The survey will be open for three weeks and is available here. By submitting responses, students may enter the draw to win an iPad mini or one of five €50 One4All Multi-Store Gift Cards.

Please visit usi.ie or homes.usi.ie to find out about other activities of USI with regard to housing.